instead

adverb

in·​stead in-ˈsted 

1

: as a substitute or equivalent

was going to write but called instead

2

: as an alternative to something expressed or implied : rather

longed instead for a quiet country life

Synonyms of instead

• rather

Examples of instead in a Sentence

I was offered a ride, but I chose to walk instead.

Recent Examples on the Web

The president instead threw his weight behind the more politically conservative Hope Scheppelman in her June primary against Hurd. —John Aguilar, Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2026

But retaliatory violence by angry cartel members who torched cars, killed dozens of soldiers and spread mayhem in 20 of Mexico’s 32 states instead sparked widespread fear about the vast reach of organized crime here — and the government’s ability to tame it. —Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026

Among his priorities is changing the agency’s name because the Railroad Commission no longer regulates railroads, focusing instead on oil and gas, pipelines, natural gas utilities and certain mining activities. —Aarón Torres, Dallas Morning News, 23 Feb. 2026

Even after winning gold, Liu is more focused on bottling up the feeling of her skate instead. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing instead

• instead of

Rhymes for instead

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead

Kids Definition

instead

adverb

in·​stead in-ˈsted 

: as a substitute

was going to write but called instead